Shiba Shougakkou
I’ve been to a bunch of schools during my time in Japan. More or less they are all the same. Though one school I visited was built just recently and as far as Japanese schools go, it has quite a nice exterior and interior. Cool design Mr. Architects and designers!
My current school kind of stands out from the typical Japanese schools because the school yard, which is usually sanded is actually covered with grass! You rarely see public schools in Japan with lawns. Not many homes in Japan typical have lawns either! As a result, the school is quite proud of its grass. I think this is the first time I’ve seen a lawnmower in Japan too!
Actually having a lawn at this school is appropriate as the school is named 芝 (shiba), which means lawn in Japanese.
Taken from the roof of the South Building about 5 years ago.
The school grounds, which are no longer sand covered like most Japanese public schools.
Some of the kids playing during recess on the grass.
煩い!
On occasion, I have to yell in class. I really hate doing it, but sometimes it has to be done. I don’t enjoy it at all!
Today one of my Grade 5’s was fooling around during lesson, interrupting class, shouting, deliberately disrupting the others kids, as well as fooling around with the projector. I’m usually pretty OK with a little noise, but when it continues on and hinders learning I have to do something about it. This usually leads to me shouting. I’m usually pretty understanding & easy-going, but step out of line and it’s over! I do have a breaking point.
I find it kind of interesting how the mood of the class changes after yelling. By which I mean everyone seems to listen more carefully and pay closer attention to the lesson at hand. I suppose that’s an upside, but yelling still upsets me.
Evaluation Day
I had my evaluation today. They always tell me these things last minute, but with that said, my lessons won’t change much just because my supervisor is in the room. Actually I was quite happy with the way things turned out especially since this is my first time teaching this particular class. They had been away for a couple of days because of the flu. Working in a school is dangerous territory! I think I’m getting a little sick, but I‘m managing.
Now I have the weekend to look forward to! Yippee! So what will I do? Absolutely nothing! …The joy of laying on my ass stalking people on Facebook. Priceless!
A Halloween Work Day
Today is Halloween. Actually it doesn’t feel much like it here in Japan. And on top of things I’m working (but don’t tell anyone I’m blogging while on the job… faux pas)! It’s Saturday and I have to work, but as they say here, shouga nai (no choice).
The reason I’m working a Saturday is because we are having an Open House at my elementary school. This is where the parents come to view the classes and where some parents complain or praise the teaching of the school and watch in on classes. I really don’t mind the parents in the class, but I hate when parents film! The past couple of times I have been filmed at these things. But I’m contractly obligated to allow anyone to film me; whether parents or the school itself. Once again another shouga nai scenario.
As for Halloween Plans…
Apparently there’s a plan to have a ‘picnic’ in the park. Not exactly park weather, but when they say picnic I think they mean drinking. And by ‘park’, I think they mean leave the park cause it’s too cold and head to Bendrew’s place.
I’ve been trying to manage my eating and lose the remaining weight I gained from Canada. Struggles! So I don’t think I’ll drink. I’ll try to join the festivities, but as I’m working I don’t think I’ll have time to dress up like Halloween tradition demands. Hmm…I am wearing a suit today! Maybe I’ll pass myself off as a サラリーマン (salary man)! … not exactly creative, but it’ll have to do.
My Month in the Life
I have been really behind on keeping up to date on my current events. I’m at least a month behind. So, here is my life the past month or so starting from when I left Canada to return to Japan.
Life is Complicated (Without Going into Specifics)
After returning to Japan, I had felt I accomplished a lot of what I wanted to do and who I wanted to see back in Toronto. However coming to Toronto left me thinking a lot of what will happen when I finally return. It’s a matter of stability and independence, not to-mention coming home greeted me with unexpected occurrences which had complicated my life. For better of for worse is still being determined to date. Overall, I left Toronto feeling I had something to look forward to when the time was right. But the time being Japan is my home still.
My Birthday
We had a birthday party the week after I came from Toronto. It was a little affair at Bendrew’s place. They presented me with a wickedly unique gift where they created a train map where each line was represented by my close friends. The stations illustrated the person’s life experiences while in Japan. It even lights up! Well almost, but it’s a work still in progress.
Being presented my unique gift! I had recently came back from Toronto and I’m sure I look heavier for it. I needed a haircut too! So don’t judge me! LOL
Going back to Work
After a 3 month hiatus and no pay I finally went back to work. I thought I would forget how to teach, but I fell right back into it. The remainder of the term I have 4 schools. So far no problems, in fact, things have been great! I love elementary school.
Side note, I met a kid who has a REAL case of A.D.D. You always hear about it and people using it as an excuse for their own shortcomings and laziness, but this kid! WOW! Poster child if I ever saw one!
Thanksgiving Canada Styles
Andrew had ordered a turkey online. What a world we live in when we can order meat online! But then again, turkey is hard to come by in Japan and most ovens in Japan can’t accomodate such a bird.
This is the same night I met Janice and Danny. Nice people who I hope to see more of in the future.
Thanksgiving dinner on the table. The turkey was ordered online and doesn’t fit in Japanese ovens too well. I think they had to precarve it just to fit it in.
Heather, Janice and Andrew. I believe Heather prepared the majority of the meal.
Keisuke battles the turkey drumstick!
Almost everyone in the picture.
Ben’s Birthday
We went out for some drinking and as always I was late. I’m always about an hour late. This is called Filipino time for you people out there. You Filipinos know what I’m talking about. ;) Afterwards we all went clubbing.
Ginny and Ben the birthday boy. All he wanted for his birthday was chocolate and underwear. :P
Andrew introduces us to his ONE glove. >_>
Me and Andrew
Ginny gives me a hug, cause damn it, I’m special!
I had two parties to go to that night and as the social butterfly I am, I was able to commit to both affairs.
Homecoming 2009
Yes, I came back to Toronto. It was relatively cheap too for just $700CAD roundtrip! I was surprised to score such a deal from the AirCanada website.
A lot happened while I was home. Let me share… some of what happened. Hey! You don’t expect me to divulge all my business to you? Here’s a breakdown of some of my 2 weeks back home:
Homecoming Party
First was the welcome home party. All my aunties always cry when I comeback. It’s a bit awkward, but touching.
I met my cousin’s new son Nathan. For a baby of less than a year he has a whole lot of hair! Everyone says he looks like Lord Farquaad from Shrek. My first reaction was Jonas brother, but I think the general consensus to be a better assessment.
Baby Nathan
Food as always consisted of meat! It’s a Filipino thing, which I’ve come to love and look forward to. Though I think I did see some corn up in there.
Stacy’s Condo
Went for lunch at her and Jack’s new pad in North York with Kat and Candace. It’s strange to see my friends moved out and living out their lives. Seems like yesterday when me and Stacy were failing Data Processing in Grade 11 thanks to Cindy moving to Florida and us having no one to copy off of.
Gave Stacy her wedding gift of cute place mats for hot pots.
We ended up spending 20 minutes lost in the parking garage when it came time to leave.
My 27th Birthday Party
Later that week was my family birthday party which consisted of 3 birthday cakes! 2 of which were cheesecakes and one of which was a regular cake but with a sky flake on top, which made all my cousins laugh cause that’s soo Filipino!
For presents I received a lot of socks & shirts. I think I’m getting old cause I appreciate gifts of clothing these days. ^^ Though one thing I noticed about shirts in general in Canada are that they are much longer than in Japan. As a result I didn’t buy clothes for myself. I prefer the Japanese fashion sense these days.
Buffalo
Trips to Buffalo were more fun back in the day. I think cause it was the idea we were doing a day trip to the States which made it more fun. Not that this time wasn’t fun spending time with friends, I just think I’ve come to realize that Buffalo isn’t much of a place to go.
I bought nice Puma’s at discount which was fine by me!
Ate at Ruby Tuesday and fully enjoyed the all you can eat salad bar.
Spend much time at Wal-Mart, which I think many people in Buffalo do as well. This is where I realized a high majority of the people there are fat, which makes me feel good by comparison because living amongst Japanese has made me very aware of how I’m not as skinny as these b*tches! Not that I’m hating LOL! … It’s something to inspire towards. Especially since I gained almost 10 pounds in 2 weeks while back home! I mean 10 pounds! That’s just scary! MUST LOSE MY “CANADIAN WEIGHT”. In fact I think I have 5 more pounds to go, but I could stand to lose more. ^^
Reunions & Meet-ups
After returning from Buffalo I managed to plan and setup a little reunion at Destiny in Richmond Hill (with the thanks of Kat, Candace and Abs). We managed to get about 20 people together in just a few hours for an upstairs “VIP” affair. Funny thing too was we arrived first and we came from Buffalo! I’m usually the last to show up! We even had an unexpected bump in with Rousanne, Michelle and Oscar!
First bunch of guest. Candace, Kat, Me, Sam and Helen.
Me and Diana pose for the camera. I look stoned here.
Me, Michelle, Rousanne and Oscar
I’m always ready for picture. :P
I managed to meet up with as many people as I could for various dinners and outings. Suffice to say I enjoyed going to Swiss Chalet where I ate my dark meat (the best part of the chicken BTW), the random bubble tea places, Tim Hortons’ bagels & cream cheese plus ice caps, Pizza Hut, Bourbon St. Grill’s bourbon chicken and honey mustard chicken , phở and the ridiculous amounts of hoisen sauce, the Chinese restaurants where I can eat bok choy and fried turnips and that place me and my friend Nirav went to eat some quesadillas with liberal amounts of sour cream and guacamole. Umm and you wonder why I gained 10 pounds! But all the food was great, but the company was what made it grand!
Overall it was a great trip. Filled with ups and downs and unexpected surprises. I’ll always have a home in Toronto. And that’s good to know. Sorry, I didn’t take any pictures while I was home. For the record these are all stolen. ^^.
Hong Kong
I really hate starting by saying this but, it feels like forever since I last blogged. In fact almost a month. But I’m gonna time stamp this blog to an earlier date to make myself feel better for slacking. ^_^
I don’t think I mentioned I went to Hong Kong… Well we did! It almost didn’t happen. We almost went to Taipei. However Hong Kong was great other than it was ridiculously hot outside and ridiculously cold indoors.
We arrived at our hostel late at night. We are told this is one of the better hostels in Hong Kong. The place is called Yesinn Fortress Hill Station for those interested. We would later find out that Andrew’s friend’s boyfriend lived in the building beside us, which was really funny. Also I would later find out that Greg (the boyfriend) was friends with an old high school friend of mine back in Toronto. Small world! Anyway…
Outside Fortress Hill Station across from our hostel.
Stanley
The first full day we had in Hong Kong was spent traveling to the Stanley Market. I’m not too big on shopping or markets, but I ended up scoring a nice bag.
Just outside the Stanley market area. I just bought my bag… and some cool heating pads! LOL just accept it!
The Blake Pier
Sitting around outside the promenade near Tin Hau Temple
Aberdeen
We later took a bus to Aberdeen. I have to say I’m not a fan of the bus service in Hong Kong. You can really get some whiplash on some of those double-deckers! Anyways, Aberdeen was quite nice until we got lost looking for the Floating Jumbo Restaurant. Turns out we were walking in the wrong direction the whole time! If we had had walked in the other direction for 5 minutes we would have found the ferry to restaurant instead of wandering for an hour or so.
Aberdeen was nice. We had walked in the wrong direction for some time by this point.
Finally! On the ferry to the Jumbo Floating Restaurant
Food brings me joy!
Victoria Peak
We took another bus and made our way to Victoria Peak. It was getting dark by this time. Taking a bus to the Peak seemed easy enough, but it seemed like a long journey up those winding roads. The tram is a little more expensive, but it’ll get you up to the Peak in no time. We know for next time.
When we came down by tram so many people were so rude and pushing to on board. I’m told “Mainlanders” are often like this and give Chinese people a bad name.
Victoria Peak is great for the view of Hong Kong. Once you’ve seen it, you’re kind of done unless you want to shop at the Peak Tower or walk the nature trails. Everything up there is priced! McDonald’s is the only decently priced thing up there in my opinion.
Hong Kong from Victoria Peak
Andrew & I trying to grab a good spot to take pictures from atop the Peak.
The Peak Tower
Lan Kwai Fong
We actually went here twice. The first night was to met Andrew’s friend Vivian. I was shutdown tired when we met her and her boyfriend Greg. We went to this really nice bar in one of the skyscrapers, which had a kick ass view of the city. We managed to find a table and remove it’s reserved sign. I felt so gross from the days travels and under dressed on top of running on empty.
The second time I was more prepared for what Lan Kwai Fong had to offer. If you go out clubbing be sure to dress the part – buttoned collar shirts, dress pants that kind thing. It was very Western style, which was interesting for me coming from Japan where people wear practically anything they want to the clubs.
Clubbing IS Lan Kwai Fong! Everyone comes here, so it can get rowdy. If you search, I’m sure you’ll will find the venue of your choice. We managed to hit up one club and later eat out a some “Canadian” restaurant sporting the Canada flag outside with my friend Fatima.
Lang Kwai Fong on a weekday. The weekend was really busy!
I finally met up with Fatima and her friend for some clubbing and drinking.
Kowloon
Our second day in Hong Kong was spent checking out the numerous markets in Kowloon. If shopping and searching is your thing, then come here and prepare to haggle your way.
Taking the ferry to Kowloon. You can see the construction of the new International Commerce Centre, which will be Hong Kong’s tallest building in 2010 and the 3rd tallest in the world.
We managed to explore 3 areas:
The Ladies Market has many products for sale and haggling is allowed with the shop keeper. Not only are products for sale for women, but many men’s and children’s products are available as well, such as: soft toys, clothes, bags, jeans, and watches. Its northern section features a market selling goldfish and is called Goldfish Street.
In the main area of the Ladie’s market.
Apliu Street Flea Market – a huge flea market containing electronics, electrical components, and related items. A shopper can find both new and used merchandise in the area. Apliu Street is well known for “geek shopping”.
Filled with random junk and possible treasures, but mostly junk!
Mong Kok Computer Centre – a 3-floor shopping mall housing more than 70 computer shops and attracts some 10,000 customers daily. The shops sell various kinds of products, including laptops, computer software, hardware and other accessories. Most shops offer made-to-order computers or DIY where can purchase parts individually and assemble their own personal computer.
Avenue of Stars
After a long day of bargain hunting (and me having nothing to show for it since nothing really caught my attention) we went to the Avenue of Stars, something like the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, but for famous Chinese celebrities.
The Avenue of Stars is one of the best vantage points to see A Symphony of Lights where the Hong Kong skyline is brought to life alongside music around 7pm. The show lasts about half an hour and is a good way to wrap up the day.
Hanging out on the Avenue of Stars.
Tian Tan Buddha
One of the last days in Hong Kong was spent on Lantau Island to see the Buddha. If Buddha viewing isn’t you thing, there is an outlet mall right when you arrive at the Tung Chung Station. The Buddha was the world’s tallest outdoor bronze seated Buddha prior to 2007.
The easiest way to see the Buddha is by taking the cable car up the mountain. However out rip coincided with the cable car’s scheduled maintenance. We instead had to take the bus up, which seemed like forever. The travel cost alone to see the Buddha was greater than expected.
Lantau Island from the Buddha.
Tian Tan Buddha. It was hot outside, but the Buddha was air-conditioned inside!
The steps up to the Buddha. 268 steps to be exact!
Macau
Something definitely worth doing a day trip to Macau. Known these days for it’s gambling which rivals Las Vegas. Macau was a Portuguese colony and for that Macau is very European‘esque with bricked roads and churches everywhere.
We arrived in Macau via jetfoil, where I got a bit sea sick. Booking a ticket departing from Hong Kong can be done the day of at Sheung Wan Station at the Shun Tak Centre where the ferry terminal is located. Note – bring your passport as you’ll have to pass through immigration as Macau is one of China’s special administrative regions (SAR). Another note, Hong Kong dollars are widely accepted in Macau, but you may get change back in Macau Pataca on some occasions (MOP).
Bricked streets of Macau. You can see the Grand Lisboa Hotel & Casino in the background.
Walking to one of the many churches in Macau. Note the school uniforms, they seem to be all white here.
A nice French couple took our picture. They were impressed with our basic French. These are the Ruins of St. Paul’s. Fatima and her friend Mike came along too.
The crypt at the Ruins where bones of the martyrs are kept. Coincidently we ran into the French couple again!
Exploring the Fisherman’s Wharf and surrounding area.
We visited a few casinos including the Wynn and the Venetian as seen here.
After returning from Macau we met Vivian and Greg for our last meal of hot pot, which was amazing!
A lot more stuff happened, but this blog is long enough. I’ll try to blog more frequently.
Let’s Watch Fireworks!
Me, Andrew, Heather and Ginny headed to Misato for one of the many hanabi festivals that happen all over the Tokyo area. Another excuse to wear a yukata. But I didn’t feel like wearing one. Good thing too cause I had to climb this steep hill with my back paining. But I managed to get up it! We watched the fireworks and filmed a little for Andrew’s video project. And I scarfed a whole bag of popcorn during the festivities. A proud moment.
At Misato Station. Everyone arrived 30 minutes late cause of a misunderstanding… partly my fault.
Andrew gave me a jinbei to wear for his video. Apparently that night I liked to show my lips off for the camera. ^^
“I’m Going to Disneyland!“
We recently went to Tokyo Disneyland. I’ve never been and since I was a kid I always wanted to go. Unfortunately the day I finally get to go I’m broken. And to make matters worse, after postponing a visit for one week because of my back injury in hopes of improvement; the day we go turned out far worse as my back was hurting like a bitch! I felt like a gingerbread man being pecked at by birds slowly. None-the-less I made the best of it all!
Me and Ginny outside Maihama Station just outside Tokyo Disney.
Heather and her new Minnie ears and me looking judging.
Evaluation Day
